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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 <br /> Regular Meeting Page 10 <br /> whether or not they operate the golf course, they are still obligated to pay those bonds. He <br /> advised that the good credit and faith of Mounds View had been put up behind those bonds, and <br /> the obligations must be met. <br /> Mayor Coughlin stated he was putting his best effort towards attempting to meet the City's <br /> obligations, and get out from under them, however, this takes time. He commented he had 22 <br /> years left in which to pay the mortgage on his house, and it always appears like this obligation <br /> will never end, however, as is father had once stated "If you live long enough, you will <br /> accomplish it." He explained that it was hoped they would outlive the obligations at the golf <br /> course, and would ultimately be money far ahead. <br /> Mayor Coughlin stated it would be exceedingly difficult to turn the golf course into a business <br /> park, or even sell the land to a private developer, due to the origin of the land. He explained that <br /> some of the land came from park dedication, some from MNDot, and a variety of plots were <br /> dedicated for different purposes. He stated he had recently written an article for the Mounds <br /> View Matters, which indicates that it is not possible for a group of five to make everybody <br /> happy. He stated all they can do is try their best, and Lord willing, they are given God's grace to <br /> do the right thing at the right time. <br /> Council Member Marty stated the Council was aware that the golf course would have to be paid <br /> off, however, the golf course would be a good source of revenue when this is accomplished. He <br /> stated that Brightwood Hills golf course, in the City of New Brighton has been around for quite <br /> some time, and it has been paid off He stated it has been supplying quite a source of revenue for <br /> New Brighton, and in fact, they are doing so well, they will be constructing an entirely new <br /> clubhouse at that golf course. He stated the present Council did not ask for the golf course, <br /> however, it was up to them to determine how to get the point where it pays off. He stated he <br /> appreciated Mr. Jahnke's comments. <br /> Mayor Coughlin added that in the months he has been the Mayor, the Council has worked very <br /> well, and is very committed to doing the right thing. He noted they do not always agree, <br /> however, in the mix of ideas, the majority of what is done is good, and hopefully, that which <br /> leaves something to be desired, is limited in its nature. He extended his appreciation to the <br /> Members of the Council, and the support staff for making this an effective working group. <br /> Rich Sonterre, 5060 Red Oak Drive stated he was a businessman who was considering Mounds <br /> View as a location for a new site. He stated his company had performed a traffic count between <br /> the hours of 4:00 and 5:30 p.m., on Highway 10 and Silver Lake Road, prior to the change over, <br /> and once again, since that time. He stated, in an hour and a half period there were approximately <br /> 250 fewer cars on the highway, which represents a significant difference. <br /> City Administrator Whiting inquired if this would affect Mr. Sonterre's business planning. Mr. <br /> Sonterre stated this would make a significant difference in what he would expect the property <br /> owners to charge him for the subject site. <br /> Mr. Sonterre stated his reason for attending the meeting was to discuss the future of Woodcrest <br /> Park. He stated he did not think there was a great amount of public notification, in terms of the <br /> specific details of the project. He stated he had heard a variety of comments regarding the <br /> proposed plans for the park, and requested clarification in this regard. <br />